RV Parks In Caliente, Nevada
37.6150° N, 114.5119° W
Quick Overview
Caliente is a small railroad town in eastern Nevada that RVers use as a basecamp for some of the state's most underrated scenery. It sits on US-93 about 150 miles north of Las Vegas, and it punches well above its size for camping thanks to a full-hookup park in town and two dramatic Nevada state parks within a short drive. If you like red-rock canyons, quiet campgrounds, and a scenic drive along a working railroad line, this is a genuinely good stop.
For full hookups, Young's RV Park is the anchor. It has 52 RV-only sites on Front Street with 20, 30, and 50 amp service, water and sewer at every pad, 25 pull-throughs long enough for a 75-foot rig, plus a dump station, laundry, showers, and free Wi-Fi, all open year-round with online reservations. If you would rather trade sewer for scenery, the public options are excellent: Kershaw-Ryan State Park sits a few miles south in a spring-fed box canyon with 16 sites wired for 30 and 50 amp electric and water, while Cathedral Gorge State Park, about 15 miles north near Panaca, offers 22 electric sites among tall clay spires you can walk right into. Echo Canyon State Park adds quieter camping by a reservoir if you want to fish or boat.
Camping here is affordable and uncrowded. State park sites with a hookup land in the mid-$20s a night, Young's runs a reasonable private-park rate for full service, and the whole area stays open through winter. Reservations for the state parks go through the Nevada State Parks system, which books online but not inside 72 hours, so plan spring and fall weekends ahead and count on easy midweek availability. Roll in on US-93, top off fuel and water in town, and give yourself two or three days. Between Cathedral Gorge's slot canyons, the green oasis at Kershaw-Ryan, and the 21-mile Rainbow Canyon drive along the Union Pacific tracks, there is more here than a quick overnight suggests. Spring and fall are the sweet spots, with mild days and thin crowds, though the shaded canyon at Kershaw-Ryan keeps summer stays comfortable too.
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Gear for Your Trip to Caliente
All Dump Stations Near Caliente
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agua Caliente Mhp | 0.7 mi | 3.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Young's RV Park | 0.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Kershaw-ryan Campground | 2.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Chief Mountain South Campground | 8.1 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Chief Mountain West | 13.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dotson's RV Park | 13.9 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pioche RV Park & Campground | 22.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Roll-inn RV Park | 22.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pioche City RV Park | 22.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Enterprise Reservoir Campground | 36.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Agua Caliente Mhp
0.7 miYoung's RV Park
0.8 miKershaw-ryan Campground
2.2 miChief Mountain South Campground
8.1 miChief Mountain West
13.7 miDotson's RV Park
13.9 miPioche RV Park & Campground
22.2 miRoll-inn RV Park
22.3 miPioche City RV Park
22.6 miEnterprise Reservoir Campground
36.1 miTraveling to Caliente by RV
Caliente sits on US-93, an open, well-graded two-lane highway with no low bridges or weight limits through town, so a 40-foot coach tows in easily. From Las Vegas, drive north on I-15 to the Apex exit, then follow US-93 north roughly 130 miles into town, about 150 miles total. NV-319 connects east toward Utah and Cedar City, and NV-317 drops south into Rainbow Canyon. Because Caliente is a remote high-desert town, treat it as a resupply point: fill fresh water and propane, top off diesel or gas at the highway stations, and pick up groceries here or back in Las Vegas before the services thin out.
Getting around town is straightforward on the flat highway lots, though historic Front Street is tight. The one route to plan around is Rainbow Canyon on NV-317, which narrows and winds along the railroad; leave the big rig in camp and take a tow car up it. For the state parks, book through the Nevada State Parks reservation system at Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge, and note the 72-hour minimum window before arrival.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Caliente, Nevada, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Caliente
Caliente is easy on the camping budget. The Nevada state parks charge about $15 a night for a Nevada vehicle or $20 for out-of-state, plus roughly $10 more for a utility hookup site and a small day-use entry fee, which puts a hooked-up night at Kershaw-Ryan or Cathedral Gorge in the mid-$20s. That is a bargain for the scenery you get. Young's RV Park in town costs more for full hookups with sewer, laundry, and Wi-Fi, but still lands at a fair private-park rate and books online year-round.
The smart money move is the Nevada annual state park permit if you plan to hit several parks on one trip, since it offsets the per-visit entry fees quickly across Kershaw-Ryan, Cathedral Gorge, and Echo Canyon. Beyond camping, costs stay low: fuel is straightforward on US-93, the marquee attractions like Rainbow Canyon and the slot canyons are free to walk, and the town's low overhead means a two or three day stay here runs a fraction of what the same trip costs near Las Vegas or a resort destination.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Caliente
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Best Time to Visit Caliente by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
24F - 48F
Crowds: Low
Cold nights with the odd snow, but Young's RV Park and the state parks all stay open year-round. Kershaw-Ryan's 50 amp sites let you run heat comfortably, and you will often have the campgrounds nearly to yourself.
Spring
Mar - May
38F - 68F
Crowds: Medium
The best season alongside fall. Canyons green up and wildflowers bloom, hiking is comfortable, and weekend electric sites at Kershaw-Ryan start filling, so reserve a few days out.
Summer
Jun - Aug
58F - 92F
Crowds: Medium
Hot and dry in the open badlands by afternoon; camp early or grab a shaded Kershaw-Ryan site. Watch for monsoon flash flooding in the slot canyons, and carry extra water on any hike.
Fall
Sep - Oct
40F - 72F
Crowds: Low
Warm days, crisp nights, and thinning crowds make September and October ideal. Walk-in availability improves midweek, and the light on the Cathedral Gorge spires is at its best.
Explore the Caliente Area
A few things we would tell a friend heading to Caliente. First, reserve early for spring and fall weekends: Kershaw-Ryan has only 16 sites and Cathedral Gorge 22, and both fill on nice weekends even though midweek stays wide open. Second, drive Rainbow Canyon in your tow car rather than the coach, because NV-317 tightens up fast along the tracks and is no place for a long combination.
Third, treat town as your last real resupply. Fill fuel, fresh water, and propane in Caliente or back in Las Vegas, since the grocery and service options up US-93 are limited and spread far apart. Fourth, if you are running a big rig and want full hookups with sewer, base out of Young's RV Park and day-trip to the parks, rather than trying to squeeze a 40-footer into an older state park loop. Finally, in summer aim for a shaded site at Kershaw-Ryan; its spring-fed canyon runs cooler than the open badlands at Cathedral Gorge, and carry extra water on any slot-canyon hike during monsoon season.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Caliente
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in Caliente, NV?
The three standouts are Young's RV Park in town for full hookups, and two nearby Nevada state parks for scenery. Young's RV Park has 52 RV sites with 20, 30, and 50 amp full hookups, pull-thrus, a dump station, and laundry. Kershaw-Ryan State Park, a few miles south in a spring-fed box canyon, offers 16 sites with electric and water. Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca adds 22 sites among dramatic clay spires. Echo Canyon State Park by the reservoir rounds out the public options for a quieter stay.
Do RV parks in Caliente have full hookups with sewer?
Full hookups including sewer at the site are found at Young's RV Park in town, which runs 20, 30, and 50 amp service with water and sewer at each of its 52 sites plus a dump station and laundry. The nearby state parks are electric and water only: Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge both give you 30 and 50 amp power and water but no sewer at the pad, so you use their dump stations on the way out. If sewer at your site matters, choose Young's; if scenery matters more, take a state park and dump before you leave.
How much does RV camping cost around Caliente?
Camping here is affordable by RV standards. The Nevada state parks charge about $15 per night for a Nevada vehicle, or $20 for out-of-state, plus roughly $10 more for a utility hookup site and a small day-use entry fee. That puts a hooked-up state park night in the mid-$20s. Young's RV Park in town runs higher for full hookups with sewer but is still a reasonable private-park rate. If you plan to visit several Nevada state parks on one trip, an annual state park permit can quickly pay for itself against the per-visit entry fees.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in Caliente?
For the state parks, plan ahead on spring and fall weekends. Kershaw-Ryan has only 16 sites and Cathedral Gorge has 22, so popular weekends book up. The Nevada State Parks reservation system lets you book online, though it will not take a reservation inside 72 hours of arrival, and a share of sites stays first-come, first-served. Young's RV Park takes online reservations year-round and is your best bet for a guaranteed full-hookup spot. Midweek and winter, you can usually find open sites at all of them without booking far in advance.
When is the best time of year to RV in Caliente?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. April into May brings mild temperatures, green canyons, and wildflowers, while September and October give you warm days, crisp nights, and thinning crowds. Summer is hot and dry in the open badlands, though the shaded canyon at Kershaw-Ryan stays noticeably cooler and its 50 amp sites let you run the air conditioning. Winter is cold with hard freezes and occasional snow, but every campground here stays open year-round, so it works if you are set up for cold-weather camping and want the place mostly to yourself.
Can big rigs camp in Caliente?
Yes, with a little planning. Young's RV Park is the big-rig choice: it handles lengths up to about 75 feet with 25 pull-through sites and full hookups right in town, so you never have to unhitch to get set up. The state parks fit RVs but tend toward shorter, older sites, so call or check site lengths at Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge before committing a 40-foot coach. One warning: leave the big rig in camp and drive the tow car up Rainbow Canyon on NV-317, which narrows and winds along the railroad and is not fun in a long combination.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Caliente?
Some, yes. The BLM land that surrounds the valley allows dispersed boondocking in places off the highways for self-contained rigs, though it lacks any hookups or services. On the developed side, a portion of the sites at Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge stays first-come, first-served even in the reservation system, so you can often roll in midweek and grab a spot without booking. For reliable hookups with no reservation gamble, Young's RV Park in town is the safe fallback if the state parks are full.
What is there to do in Caliente besides camping?
Caliente is a scenic-drive and state-park basecamp. The Rainbow Canyon Scenic Drive runs 21 miles along NV-317 beside the Union Pacific mainline, with petroglyphs, red-rock walls, and rock climbing near Elgin. Cathedral Gorge lets you walk into narrow slot canyons among cathedral-like clay spires, and Kershaw-Ryan hides a green, spring-fed box canyon with a wading pond and hiking loops. In town, the 1923 Mission-style railroad depot is worth a look, and Eagle Valley and Echo Canyon reservoirs to the north add fishing and boating.
What highways lead into Caliente for an RV?
The main route is US-93, an open, well-graded two-lane highway with no notable low bridges or weight limits through town. From Las Vegas you drive north on I-15 to the Apex exit, then follow US-93 north roughly 130 miles into Caliente, about 150 miles total. NV-319 connects east toward Utah, and NV-317 heads south into Rainbow Canyon. Big rigs travel US-93 comfortably, but NV-317 narrows quickly, so save the canyon for a tow car or a shorter rig and stick to the highways for the coach.
Does Kershaw-Ryan State Park have RV hookups?
Yes. Kershaw-Ryan added a modern campground with 16 sites that now have both 30 and 50 amp electric and water hookups, which is a real upgrade for RVers who want to run heat in winter or air conditioning through the hot months. There is a restroom with coin-operated showers and an RV dump station, but no sewer connection at the individual sites. You book through the Nevada State Parks reservation system, which will not take a reservation inside 72 hours, and some sites remain first-come. The spring-fed box canyon setting makes it the prettiest stay near town.
Is Cathedral Gorge good for RV camping?
It is one of the more memorable public campgrounds in the region. Cathedral Gorge, about 15 miles north near Panaca, has 22 sites tucked among tall clay spires and slot canyons, each with a shade ramada, picnic table, and grill. Electric hookups are available and water comes from central stations rather than at your pad, so plan to fill your fresh tank. Flush restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station round it out. The badlands scenery and easy walk-in canyon trails make it worth the short drive from Caliente, especially in spring and fall.
Are there dump stations and propane in Caliente?
Yes. You can dump tanks at Young's RV Park in town and at the Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge state park campgrounds, though the state parks may charge non-campers a small fee. Propane refills are available from local dealers in Caliente, and gas and diesel are sold at the highway stations along US-93. For larger grocery runs or full RV-specific repair service, plan to stock up in Las Vegas on the way in or Cedar City, Utah to the east, since the town itself carries only the basics.
How many days should I plan for a Caliente RV stop?
Two or three days is the sweet spot. One night works if you are just breaking up the drive on US-93, but Caliente rewards a longer stay. Give yourself a day for Cathedral Gorge and its slot canyons, another for Kershaw-Ryan and a drive up Rainbow Canyon, and a third if you want to fish or boat at Echo Canyon and Eagle Valley reservoirs. Base out of Young's RV Park for full hookups or move between the state parks if you prefer scenery over sewer. The low camping rates make lingering easy on the budget.
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in Caliente, NV?
The three standouts are Young's RV Park in town for full hookups, and two nearby Nevada state parks for scenery. Young's RV Park has 52 RV sites with 20, 30, and 50 amp full hookups, pull-thrus, a dump station, and laundry. Kershaw-Ryan State Park, a few miles south in a spring-fed box canyon, offers 16 sites with electric and water. Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca adds 22 sites among dramatic clay spires. Echo Canyon State Park by the reservoir rounds out the public options for a quieter stay.
Do RV parks in Caliente have full hookups with sewer?
Full hookups including sewer at the site are found at Young's RV Park in town, which runs 20, 30, and 50 amp service with water and sewer at each of its 52 sites plus a dump station and laundry. The nearby state parks are electric and water only: Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge both give you 30 and 50 amp power and water but no sewer at the pad, so you use their dump stations on the way out. If sewer at your site matters, choose Young's; if scenery matters more, take a state park and dump before you leave.
How much does RV camping cost around Caliente?
Camping here is affordable by RV standards. The Nevada state parks charge about $15 per night for a Nevada vehicle, or $20 for out-of-state, plus roughly $10 more for a utility hookup site and a small day-use entry fee. That puts a hooked-up state park night in the mid-$20s. Young's RV Park in town runs higher for full hookups with sewer but is still a reasonable private-park rate. If you plan to visit several Nevada state parks on one trip, an annual state park permit can quickly pay for itself against the per-visit entry fees.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in Caliente?
For the state parks, plan ahead on spring and fall weekends. Kershaw-Ryan has only 16 sites and Cathedral Gorge has 22, so popular weekends book up. The Nevada State Parks reservation system lets you book online, though it will not take a reservation inside 72 hours of arrival, and a share of sites stays first-come, first-served. Young's RV Park takes online reservations year-round and is your best bet for a guaranteed full-hookup spot. Midweek and winter, you can usually find open sites at all of them without booking far in advance.
When is the best time of year to RV in Caliente?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. April into May brings mild temperatures, green canyons, and wildflowers, while September and October give you warm days, crisp nights, and thinning crowds. Summer is hot and dry in the open badlands, though the shaded canyon at Kershaw-Ryan stays noticeably cooler and its 50 amp sites let you run the air conditioning. Winter is cold with hard freezes and occasional snow, but every campground here stays open year-round, so it works if you are set up for cold-weather camping and want the place mostly to yourself.
Can big rigs camp in Caliente?
Yes, with a little planning. Young's RV Park is the big-rig choice: it handles lengths up to about 75 feet with 25 pull-through sites and full hookups right in town, so you never have to unhitch to get set up. The state parks fit RVs but tend toward shorter, older sites, so call or check site lengths at Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge before committing a 40-foot coach. One warning: leave the big rig in camp and drive the tow car up Rainbow Canyon on NV-317, which narrows and winds along the railroad and is not fun in a long combination.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Caliente?
Some, yes. The BLM land that surrounds the valley allows dispersed boondocking in places off the highways for self-contained rigs, though it lacks any hookups or services. On the developed side, a portion of the sites at Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge stays first-come, first-served even in the reservation system, so you can often roll in midweek and grab a spot without booking. For reliable hookups with no reservation gamble, Young's RV Park in town is the safe fallback if the state parks are full.
What is there to do in Caliente besides camping?
Caliente is a scenic-drive and state-park basecamp. The Rainbow Canyon Scenic Drive runs 21 miles along NV-317 beside the Union Pacific mainline, with petroglyphs, red-rock walls, and rock climbing near Elgin. Cathedral Gorge lets you walk into narrow slot canyons among cathedral-like clay spires, and Kershaw-Ryan hides a green, spring-fed box canyon with a wading pond and hiking loops. In town, the 1923 Mission-style railroad depot is worth a look, and Eagle Valley and Echo Canyon reservoirs to the north add fishing and boating.
What highways lead into Caliente for an RV?
The main route is US-93, an open, well-graded two-lane highway with no notable low bridges or weight limits through town. From Las Vegas you drive north on I-15 to the Apex exit, then follow US-93 north roughly 130 miles into Caliente, about 150 miles total. NV-319 connects east toward Utah, and NV-317 heads south into Rainbow Canyon. Big rigs travel US-93 comfortably, but NV-317 narrows quickly, so save the canyon for a tow car or a shorter rig and stick to the highways for the coach.
Does Kershaw-Ryan State Park have RV hookups?
Yes. Kershaw-Ryan added a modern campground with 16 sites that now have both 30 and 50 amp electric and water hookups, which is a real upgrade for RVers who want to run heat in winter or air conditioning through the hot months. There is a restroom with coin-operated showers and an RV dump station, but no sewer connection at the individual sites. You book through the Nevada State Parks reservation system, which will not take a reservation inside 72 hours, and some sites remain first-come. The spring-fed box canyon setting makes it the prettiest stay near town.
Is Cathedral Gorge good for RV camping?
It is one of the more memorable public campgrounds in the region. Cathedral Gorge, about 15 miles north near Panaca, has 22 sites tucked among tall clay spires and slot canyons, each with a shade ramada, picnic table, and grill. Electric hookups are available and water comes from central stations rather than at your pad, so plan to fill your fresh tank. Flush restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station round it out. The badlands scenery and easy walk-in canyon trails make it worth the short drive from Caliente, especially in spring and fall.
Are there dump stations and propane in Caliente?
Yes. You can dump tanks at Young's RV Park in town and at the Kershaw-Ryan and Cathedral Gorge state park campgrounds, though the state parks may charge non-campers a small fee. Propane refills are available from local dealers in Caliente, and gas and diesel are sold at the highway stations along US-93. For larger grocery runs or full RV-specific repair service, plan to stock up in Las Vegas on the way in or Cedar City, Utah to the east, since the town itself carries only the basics.
How many days should I plan for a Caliente RV stop?
Two or three days is the sweet spot. One night works if you are just breaking up the drive on US-93, but Caliente rewards a longer stay. Give yourself a day for Cathedral Gorge and its slot canyons, another for Kershaw-Ryan and a drive up Rainbow Canyon, and a third if you want to fish or boat at Echo Canyon and Eagle Valley reservoirs. Base out of Young's RV Park for full hookups or move between the state parks if you prefer scenery over sewer. The low camping rates make lingering easy on the budget.
Are there free dump stations in Caliente?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Caliente.
All Dump Stations Near Caliente (16)
RV ParkAgua Caliente Mhp
RV ParkYoung's RV Park
RV ParkKershaw-ryan Campground
RV ParkChief Mountain South Campground
RV ParkDotson's RV Park
RV ParkChief Mountain West
RV ParkPioche RV Park & Campground
RV Park





